PIC18LF4553-I/ML - 8-bit 48MHz USB MCU 32KB Flash | Microchip
MPN: PIC18LF4553-I/ML ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.95 | $7.95 |
| 10 | $7.15 | $71.50 |
| 100 | $6.4 | $640.00 |
| 500 | $5.75 | $2,875.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.1 | $5,100.00 |
PIC18LF4553-I/ML Overview
An 8-bit microcontroller (MCU) is a single-chip computer that integrates a CPU, program memory, RAM, and peripherals. PIC18 microcontrollers use Microchip's enhanced Harvard RISC architecture, achieving 200 ns instruction execution and up to 12 MIPS throughput. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, MCUs sit under microcontrollers -> processors -> semiconductors, and they form the lowest tier of computing devices for embedded systems where cost, deterministic timing, and peripheral integration matter more than raw compute throughput.
Key features include Full-Speed USB 2.0 device/host/OTG support with an internal 3.3V regulator, a 10-bit ADC pre-scaler, two CCP/ECCP modules for PWM and capture/compare, I2C, SPI, and an enhanced USART for serial communication. The device also provides nanoWatt Technology with multiple idle/sleep modes, a programmable brown-out reset (BOR), a hardware watchdog timer (WDT), and high/low-voltage detect (HLVD) for robust operation in industrial environments. The on-chip 32 KB self-programmable flash supports boot-loader and in-application programming via USB, simplifying field firmware updates.
Architecturally, the PIC18LF4553 uses an enhanced 16-bit instruction word with 8-bit data paths and a 31-level hardware stack, providing deterministic interrupt response essential for real-time USB stacks. The internal 3.3V regulator can supply the USB transceiver while the core runs from 5V, eliminating the need for external LDO when designing USB peripherals on 5V rails.
Typical applications include USB HID peripherals such as custom keyboards and mice, USB-to-UART bridges, industrial data loggers with USB connectivity, and low-power sensor nodes that occasionally wake up to enumerate as USB devices. Designers should add a 1uF bypass capacitor near the VUSB3V3 pin and follow Microchip's USB hardware checklist for EMI/ESD compliance when targeting industrial temperature grades.
Drop-in alternatives for PIC18LF4553-I/ML — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
PIC18F4553-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4550-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18F4550-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4455-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4458-I/ML
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4553-I/PT
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
PIC18LF4553-I/ML Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | PIC |
| Core Size | 8-Bit |
| Series | PIC 18F |
| Program Memory Size | 32 KB Flash |
| RAM Size | 2048 B |
| EEPROM Size | 256 B |
| Maximum Clock Speed | 48 MHz |
| Instruction Throughput | 12 MIPS |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 44-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Connectivity | I2C, SPI, UART/USART, USB |
| Peripherals | Brown-out Detect/Reset, HLVD, POR, PWM, WDT |
| ADC Resolution | 12-bit, up to 13 channels |
| USB | USB 2.0 Full-Speed Device/Host/OTG with internal 3.3V regulator |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
PIC18LF4553-I/ML Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | RA2 — Port A bit 2 / analog channel AN2 |
| Pin 2 | RA3 — Port A bit 3 / analog channel AN3 / VREF+ |
| Pin 3 | RA4 — Port A bit 4 / analog channel AN4 |
| Pin 4 | RA5 — Port A bit 5 / analog channel AN5 / HLVDIN |
| Pin 5 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 6 | RA6 — Port A bit 6 / oscillator output |
| Pin 7 | RA7 — Port A bit 7 / oscillator input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0-5.5 V) |
| Pin 9 | RE3 — Port E bit 3 / MCLR (programming/reset) |
| Pin 10 | VUSB — USB power monitor / internal 3.3V regulator output |
| Pin 11 | RB0 — Port B bit 0 / analog channel AN12 |
| Pin 12 | RB1 — Port B bit 1 / analog channel AN10 |
| Pin 13 | RB2 — Port B bit 2 / analog channel AN8 |
| Pin 14 | RB3 — Port B bit 3 / analog channel AN9 / CCP2 |
| Pin 15 | RB4 — Port B bit 4 / analog channel AN11 |
| Pin 16 | RB5 — Port B bit 5 / analog channel AN13 |
| Pin 17 | RB6 — Port B bit 6 / PGC (ICSP clock) |
| Pin 18 | RB7 — Port B bit 7 / PGD (ICSP data) |
| Pin 19 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 20 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0-5.5 V) |
| Pin 21 | RC0 — Port C bit 0 / analog channel AN4 |
| Pin 22 | RC1 — Port C bit 1 / analog channel AN5 |
| Pin 23 | RC2 — Port C bit 2 / analog channel AN6 / CCP1 |
| Pin 24 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (USB transceiver internal) |
| Pin 25 | VSS — Ground reference (USB transceiver) |
| Pin 26 | RC4 — Port C bit 4 / D- (USB data minus) |
| Pin 27 | RC5 — Port C bit 5 / D+ (USB data plus) |
| Pin 28 | RC6 — Port C bit 6 / TX (USART async transmit) |
| Pin 29 | RC7 — Port C bit 7 / RX (USART async receive) |
| Pin 30 | RD0 — Port D bit 0 / PSP data |
| Pin 31 | RD1 — Port D bit 1 / PSP data |
| Pin 32 | RD2 — Port D bit 2 / PSP data |
| Pin 33 | RD3 — Port D bit 3 / PSP data |
| Pin 34 | RD4 — Port D bit 4 / PSP data |
| Pin 35 | RD5 — Port D bit 5 / PSP data |
| Pin 36 | RD6 — Port D bit 6 / PSP data |
| Pin 37 | RD7 — Port D bit 7 / PSP data |
| Pin 38 | VSS — Ground reference |
| Pin 39 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.0-5.5 V) |
| Pin 40 | RE0 — Port E bit 0 / analog channel AN5 |
| Pin 41 | RE1 — Port E bit 1 / analog channel AN6 |
| Pin 42 | RE2 — Port E bit 2 / analog channel AN7 |
| Pin 43 | OSC1 — Oscillator input / external clock input |
| Pin 44 | OSC2 — Oscillator output |
Typical Applications
PIC18LF4553-I/ML is suitable for 6 applications: USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard / Mouse / Gamepad), USB-to-UART Bridge / Virtual COM Port, Industrial USB Data Logger, Battery-Powered USB Sensor Node, USB Host / OTG Embedded Controller, Educational USB Development Platform.
USB HID Peripherals (Keyboard / Mouse / Gamepad)
The PIC18LF4553-I/ML is purpose-designed for USB Human Interface Devices. Its Full-Speed USB 2.0 SIE plus internal 3.3V regulator eliminates the external LDO needed by most 5V MCUs, shrinking PCB area. With 32 KB flash and 12 MIPS, it runs Microchip's USB Framework HID class driver comfortably, including boot-loader-based field firmware updates. The 12-bit ADC and PWM peripherals support multi-channel analog inputs and RGB LED drive typical of premium gaming peripherals, while nanoWatt idle modes extend battery life in wireless HID dongles.
Recommended
USB-to-UART Bridge / Virtual COM Port
The PIC18LF4553-I/ML's integrated USB SIE and enhanced USART allow it to implement CDC-class virtual COM port bridges without an external converter IC. With 48 MHz CPU and 2048 B RAM, throughput easily exceeds the 12 Mbps USB Full-Speed envelope for typical serial rates up to 921600 bps. The wide 2.0-5.5 V supply lets the same firmware serve both 3.3V MCUs and legacy 5V RS-232 gear via level shifters. Industrial-grade -40C to +85C operation makes it suitable for factory-floor serial bridges.
Recommended
Industrial USB Data Logger
The 32 KB flash and 256 B EEPROM are sufficient for storing configuration and calibration tables in a USB-tethered industrial data logger. The 12-bit ADC with up to 13 channels digitizes multiple sensor inputs (temperature, pressure, 4-20 mA loops via shunt), while the 44-VQFN exposed pad dissipates heat during continuous USB-powered acquisition. Brown-out reset and HLVD guard against industrial supply glitches, and the -40C to +85C industrial temperature range supports factory environments. USB plug-and-play eliminates custom driver installation.
Recommended
Battery-Powered USB Sensor Node
The 'LF' prefix denotes the 2.0-5.5 V wide-voltage nanoWatt variant, allowing the PIC18LF4553-I/ML to run from a single Li-ion cell (3.0-4.2 V) while charging and still maintaining USB enumeration. nanoWatt idle modes drop quiescent current below 100 nA in sleep, and the internal 3.3V regulator powers the USB pull-up only when connected. The 48 MHz core wakes from sleep, runs sensor acquisition, and pushes data over USB CDC or HID within milliseconds, preserving battery life between measurement intervals.
Recommended
USB Host / OTG Embedded Controller
In USB host mode the PIC18LF4553-I/ML can interface to USB mass storage, HID, or CDC devices, enabling embedded products that read USB flash drives or interface to USB printers without a PC. The 32 KB flash holds a simplified USB host stack plus FAT file-system library from Microchip. With 2048 B RAM, small file-buffer operations are feasible; for full mass-storage support, designers typically use the 4553 as co-processor alongside a higher-RAM MCU. The wide VDD range supports bus-powered host hubs from 5V supply.
Recommended
Educational USB Development Platform
The PIC18LF4553-I/ML is a staple in university and hobbyist USB projects because Microchip's MPLAB X IDE, XC8 compiler, and USB Framework are free and well documented. With 32 KB flash it runs full HID, CDC, and bootloader examples, while the 44-VQFN breakout boards expose USB, ADC, PWM, and I/O pins for lab work. The 48 MHz core plus 12-bit ADC allows timing experiments and instrumentation projects at undergraduate level. The exposed thermal pad simplifies hand-soldering prototypes on standard breakout PCBs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for PIC18LF4553-I/ML — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | PIC18F4553-I/ML | PIC18LF4550-I/ML | PIC18F4550-I/ML | PIC18LF4455-I/ML | PIC18LF4553-I/PT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 44-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) | 44-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same | 44-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same | 44-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same | 44-VQFN Exposed Pad (ML) - same | 44-TQFP (PT) |
| Brand | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology | Microchip Technology |
| Operating Voltage | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 4.2 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V | 2.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Program Flash | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 32 KB | 24 KB (-25%) | 32 KB |
| RAM | 2048 B | 2048 B | 2048 B | 2048 B | 2048 B | 2048 B |
| USB 2.0 FS | Yes (SIE + internal 3.3V) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADC Resolution / Channels | 12-bit / 13 channels | 12-bit / 13 channels | 12-bit / 13 channels | 12-bit / 13 channels | 12-bit / 13 channels | 12-bit / 13 channels |
| Max Clock Speed | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS | 48 MHz / 12 MIPS |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
Key Differentiators
- Wide 2.0-5.5 V VDD range with nanoWatt low-power modes (vs PIC18F4553-I/ML)
- Integrated USB 2.0 Full-Speed with on-chip 3.3V regulator (vs PIC18LF4458-I/ML)
- Same silicon in QFP for easier prototyping and rework (vs PIC18LF4553-I/PT)
Design Notes
Estimated: At 48 MHz CPU clock, VDD 5.0 V, full USB peripheral set active, the PIC18LF4553-I/ML draws approximately 25 mA core current. From a 5V/500 mA USB VBUS source the internal 3.3V regulator supplies the USB transceiver, leaving ample headroom for external sensors. When running from a 3.3V rail, disable the internal regulator and tie VUSB to VDD to avoid contention. Decouple each VDD/VSS pair with 100 nF X7R placed within 5 mm of the pins to suppress switching noise.
The 44-VQFN (ML) package has an exposed thermal pad that MUST be soldered to a copper pour on the PCB (at least 1 sq inch) and tied to VSS for both thermal dissipation and ground return. Route the USB D+/D- differential pair as an 90-ohm impedance-matched pair with length matching within 2 mm. Place the 12 MHz crystal within 5 mm of OSC1/OSC2 with short, symmetric traces and a guard ground on the far side to minimize EMI susceptibility.
Do not confuse the 'F' (4.2-5.5 V) and 'LF' (2.0-5.5 V) variants - firmware will not enumerate USB below 4.2 V on F parts. The VUSB pin is the internal 3.3V regulator output in self-powered mode; it requires a 220 nF to 1 uF decoupling capacitor and must NOT be used as a load driver. The MCLR pin (RE3) is input-only on the LF4553 family - do not drive it as an output. Finally, the ICSP pins RB6/RB7 must not be pulled low at reset if in-circuit debugging is desired.
For USB Full-Speed compliance, add a 1.5 kohm pull-up on D+ (or D- for low-speed) through a soft-disconnect FET controlled by firmware, and place 27-33 ohm series resistors close to the MCU pins on each data line. The internal 3.3V regulator's stability depends on its 220 nF ceramic output capacitor with ESR below 0.5 ohm; X5R/X7R dielectrics are recommended. For noise-sensitive analog channels, place the ADC reference decoupling (100 nF + 10 uF) within 3 mm of AVDD/AVSS pins.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free per Microchip product page; REACH compliance statement available on manufacturer documentation; AEC-Q100 not applicable for industrial-grade USB MCU.
